It was a week and a half. monday we met with Don and with Bonnie. don fed us supper...candle lit...and classical music playin in the background. classic. what a good man. he had roast beet and spinach and potatoes and icecream and fruit. it was fun to be with him...he talked all about his wife and how he met her and stories about their life. we got on a gospel conversation...naturally..and he said. "listen girls...you're the ones who got me into this situation..and now its a situation that i never want to get out of." He said that he LOVED church and that he feels like he is now part of the family he never thought he'd have another family..but he feels at home.
tuesday sister shoell and i went in to winnipeg for my interview with President Paulson. I am so thankful for President. he is a very inspired man. I know that I was called to be under his direction at this time for specific reasons and I am so thankful for that. We got to stay in Winnipeg for the day..there was a baptism that night that we got to go to for the ysa ward..so i got to see all the good ole ysa kids. thats was fun! then wednesday morning..sister wennerlind and I went back to brandon..sister shoell and sister roper had training meetings and things on wednesday. it was a busy day in brandon. we got back about 10:30 and hit the ground running. lots of people to see...lots of appointments. we had an appointment with Don about fasting which he was excited about...naturally. ben and cherry fixed us chinese supper and we had a lesson with them. we saw a lot of people that day and we were exhausted by the end. it was good to be together again. i really appreciate how we teach together. it was fun to think that we were together the very first day of our missions..and together the very last day of the mission. i finished up my packing and then on thursday morning..we headed back into winnipeg for the farewell fireside and all that good stuff. thursday morning sister poulton called me and told me that my plans had changed...that my parents would no longer be coming and that i was flying out friday morning!!! lots of change! ha.
thursday night was the farwell fireside. it was a neat metting. fred..the gas station man who was there eveyr monday in winnipeg came!! i invited him the last time i was in winnipeg when we fille dup on gas....and he was there :) he said it was a really neat experience and that he was so happy that he came. marson came from regina! eric and kailee came from brandon..the ysa crew from winnipeg was all there...bishop and his wife...so many good familiar faces. it was fun to see everyone again..one last time. it was nice to sit and reflect on my mission and to think about the expereince that i had and the spirit that i felt and the guidance i received. friday morning..we woke up bright and early...and president took all of us that were flying home to the airport.and we said our goodbyes..and headed out. when i hit minnesota..presdients daughter was in the same airport!! she was at the airport when i came to canada...and then i got to see her as i left. tender mercy! our gates were right next to eachother so we sat and chatted during my lay over until she had to board her plane! i was so excited to see her! i did great emotion wise until the plane hit the ground in boise then it alllllll hit me. i am so thankful to be home and to have m family here safe. being released was an emotional experience...hard...but i know that Heavenly Father can use me in other ways that He needs to at this point of my life and I know that He will continue to guide me and help me find my way. He will never leave us alone..He will neve rleave us to find our way or fight our battles without His help. I am more than grateful for the experience and the opportunity i was given to serve the LOrd for 18 months. IT has been truly remarkable. memories, people, experience that have shaped my life and change me forever. I know that the Lord guided His work and was able to use me as His instrument. I am honored to know that He could use me to help His work progress with His children. A true honor.
i love you all. be good. remember who you are. live it. love it.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
June 18, 2012
Craig and I would like to thank each of you for your support of Sis. Smith over the last 18 months. We have felt of your prayers and faith and we know that Jessica has as well. Love to all! Craig and Bev.
June 18, 2012
Bonnie is right on
track doing really well and enjoying every minute of it. The Romero’s are doing
great. They are going to the temple this weekend for baptisms!!! Glenda was so
happy to be holding her recommend. It was very special.
We had a ward picnic
this weekend...Ben and Cherry, Bonnie, Juanita, the Romero’s...they all came!! Some
of the ward members even had friends that came with them. It poured on us...but
it made for good memories. :)
Sister Shoell and I
had some really great opportunities this week in our finding. We had a lot of
people who don't believe in God or who have been turned off of religion because
of various reasons. A lot of them sat and talked to us about it. One lady in
particular...was very very shut off to what we had to say...but she came out to
talk to us. She had lost her baby when he was 2 to cancer...and she just
couldn't see how that could come from a loving Heavenly Father. As we testified
of the love of God and the plan of salvation...you could see in her eyes that
she wanted it...that she needed it...but she wouldn't let it in. it was hard to
see her in so much pain. But it made me very t thankful for my knowledge of the
plan that Heavenly Father has for me and for each of us. We know that we can be
with our loved ones again. We know that this is the Lords will. And even in
hard times...we can choose to draw closer to Him for His help and guidance. We
don't have to go through trials alone. We can have the peace and the comfort of
the atonement in our lives. I am so thankful for that.
I am so thankful for
the amazing opportunity I have been given to be able to be a Representative of
My Savior Jesus Christ. It is an honor to wear His name over my heart every
single day. I am so humbled to know that I am doing His work here in Canada.
That Heavenly Father has trusted me to help His children in this very very special
way. It has been the most important 18 months of my life. It has changed me and
shaped me and refined me. I have learned so much and have gained so much. My
Savior has become my very best friend. This work is real. It is powerful. This
gospel is what will change the world...one person at a time as they each come
to know their relationship to their Heavenly Father and choose to follow His
son, Jesus Christ. I am continually humbled to be put in the path of those who
are ready to hear the message of the restored gospel. I am continually humbled
to be a part of such an amazing work...the best work. No words can explain the
feelings and the thoughts in my heart. No words can explain how I truly feel
about my Savior, about this gospel, about my Heavenly Father. IT has been a
very, very special 18 months, 18 months that I will never regret, nor forget.
It has meant the world to me. It is hard to say goodbye...hard to stop...but i
know that as I continue to do the Lords will, He can continue to use me as an
instrument in helping other of His children, wherever and however that may be
after i take off my name tag. The Lords timing is perfect. I know this is where
I was supposed to be these past 18 months, I know that He will direct me with
my decisions that I will be making in the next few months...years...and so on.
The gospel is true. I know that my Savior lives.
I love you. Be good. Remember
who you are. Live it and love it.
Monday, June 11, 2012
June 11, 2012
June 11, 2012
Oooooh Brandon is full
of miracles, love love love it. We had a neat experience with Don at the
beginning of this week as he received a blessing. Very strong, powerful
experience for all those that were there for that. He hasn't had a drink of
coffee since last week and is super excited about it. He has been reading every
day...he is in 1 Nephi 20!! :) Roger passed the sacrament on Sunday!! What a
moment!!! He was soooo humbled to be able to do so. It was ward conference this week. The
intermediate hymn was Choose The Right...and their youngest; Yensi just sang it
loud and proud!!! The only words s he knew were choose the right and so she
just repeated it over and over and over again as loud as she could. It was
fantastic!! Sister Olsen and I played a piano duet. It was fun to play with her
again!! On Thursdays we give service at the soup kitchen. There is a man that
goes there from Africa who is one of my favorite people!! Every week he says
OOOH THE MISSIONARIES!!! HIIIIII and gets so excited. He is always asking me
questions about the church and what we do here in Brandon. This week he told me
he was going to come to church! I made him promise....and lo and behold...right
as the opening hymn was being sung...in he walked!!! He was so excited! After
sacrament meeting he was EXTATIC and came up and said. Sister Smith...I'm
getting baptized!!!! This is the church. Did you hear what they said? No other
church talks about that. This is the church. When am I getting baptized?!?!?! Hahaha.
Remarkable. So the elders got his info and are now teaching my friend! So
exciting! :) Miracles happen every day! I love it.
We have a busy week
coming up! Lots of good things happening. Couldn’t be better. This is the Lords
work. This is the true gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that as we prioritize our
lives and do the important things...the things of the Lord first, and
everything will always...ALWAYS work out. He always keeps His promises.
I hope you all have a
wonderful week. Love you. Be good. Remember who you are. Live it. Love it.
Monday, June 4, 2012
June 4, 2012
June 4, 2012
A week of miracles!! I
tell you what. First of all, Roger’s baptism was fantastic. I love that little
boy so much. His smile was precious the whole time. It was truly a miracle to
watch Roger Sr. use his priesthood to baptize his son. What a remarkable thing
that Heavenly Father has given us to be able to use His power. The priesthood
power is on the earth today. It is real. As I was studying about it this week I
have come to realize that the same priesthood that my dad holds or my brothers
is the same priesthood that the prophet holds or the apostles. Our faith is in
the power, not the man. It was so special to be a part of this special baptism.
Don is doing wonderful. I truly love this man. He is a very very special
person. We taught him on Tuesday before we went to Winnipeg for the week. We
talked about the gospel of Jesus Christ and invited him to be baptized again.
He said, I already told you...I will. We said what? Don you said you would
think about it. He said...well...I will. I will be baptized on June 30th!! Then
he just leaned back in his comfy recliner and smiled. He was so happy. He
talked about how he feels to know that he has found the Church of Christ. That
this is Christ’s church. When we got back into Brandon and went and taught him
again on Friday...we taught the word of wisdom. Don said that 5 weeks ago he
quit smoking (5 weeks ago is the time we knocked on his door). He did say how
much he loves his coffee and then we asked him if would live the word of wisdom
he said yes. I said what about your coffee. He said. Well by the sounds of it I
drank my last cup an hour ago. He hasn't had a cup since. :) Don is amazing. We
had some very neat experiences in his home this week as he testified to us of
the truth and how he feels about the things we have taught him. He keeps asking
us what persuaded us to ring his bell and he knows that it has been a sign from
God. He calls us his two little angels that Heavenly Father has sent for him. He
didn't show up to church on Sunday so we went to his home to see if he was ok. He
has told us before that he is sick...but we now know he has been down playing
it. When we went to his house he told us he has cancer. He stood there in the
doorway telling us about what is going on and tried to be so tough. I wish I
could explain the feelings in my heart and the spirit that has been felt as we
have been with don. He is a wonderful wonderful man. And I feel honored to be
able to be an instrument for my Heavenly Father in meeting with don.
On Friday night we got
a phone call from a lady who has investigated a while ago here in Brandon. We
answered the phone and she said. Hello. This is Bonnie. I am ready to be
baptized. uhhhhhhhh. :) ok. We went over to meet with her. She is planning on
getting baptized on July 7th!! She came to church on Sunday and bore her
testimony of how she knows this is the true church.
Remarkable. Heavenly
Father has blessed us so much this week!! We have seen miracles and have been a
part of some very very special moments this week. There is nothing like being
an instrument for the Lord and doing His will with His children.
We went to Winnipeg
the middle of the week for specialized training!! It was fun to be with
everyone. We are now being allowed to create our own mormon.org profile!! Missionary
work takes all forms. It is very exciting. There were some neat stories shared
about the effects of the profiles being made in other missions and so we are
all thrilled to get to do it as well.
Well. Another good
week. The work must go on. This is the Lords church. The gospel is true. The
priesthood power is on the earth today.
Love you. Be good. Remember
who you are. Live it. Love it.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
May 28, 2012
May 28, 2012
Hello hello hello.
What a wonderful week
we have had in good ole rainy Brandon Manitoba!! :) Things are wonderful. Little
Roger passed his interview on Saturday and is so excited to be baptized this
coming Saturday!! He was so sad to think it was a week away!! Roger sr. is going
to be baptizing him. Very very special day it will be. The ward is excited, the
family is excited...it will be so wonderful.
Don is the older
gentleman that we are teaching. We had some very neat experiences with him this
week. when we were asking him about the Book of Mormon and how he felt about
it, he told us that we needed to understand that this book is very powerful and
that you have to sit down and take it into your heart...and it has to be a
little at a time because it is so extremely powerful. When we talked about
baptism he said that he had been thinking about baptism since the day we walked
into his house and that he can't sleep at night because it is weighing heavily
on his mind. He is a very special person and it is an honor to be in his home
and teach him.
We had a stake
conference this weekend...broadcasted from SLC, Canada wide. The first talk was
all about the temples and the Romero’s were soaking it in. they talked a lot
about the responsibility of being members and how we need to continually work
on it. Elder Packer said that the people in Canada are the most spiritual and
that years ago the weaklings moved back to Idaho and Utah. Mean while, Sister Shoell
and I were sitting in the back of the chapel...the whole congregation turned and
looked at us. Ha-ha. It was a classic moment. We got lots of comments about it
afterwards. It was funny.
We have been focusing
a lot on teaching during finding and have had some really great experiences. It
isn't just an approach and stating who we are...we talk to them...ask them
questions...teach them right there and then. It is amazing to see how the
spirit works during finding and how much we are able to share with those that
we meet.
We are going to Winnipeg
this week for specialized training. Lots of good things to apply and to learn.
Hope you all had a
great week! Love you!! Be good. Remember who you are. Live it. Love it.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
May 22, 2012
What a blissful week!! Sister Shoell and I are doing great, great,
great. We are teaching this older man named Don. He is in his 70's and
is hilarious. When he feels the spirit he reverts back to talking
about Germany. His hearing is going fast so we have to talk real loud
and slow. But it is great fun. Our last appointment with him, he was
talking about something random after we had just bore our souls to him
and then he said well ya know I know this is a big deal. And we said
why don? And he said, well...you have come back more than once and it
is something you can feel in your heart when you speak. I may have
been reading from that book you left me...But you know I can't read
it...its too small...and then he went off on another topic. So we had
a glimpse of the spiritual side of Don. He’s been listening. He is a
wonderful man.
Little Roger is doing great!! He has his interview this week!! Super
exciting. We taught tithing this week and we asked Roger Sr. to
explain and share his testimony with Roger about tithing and it was
POWERFUL. He just kept saying how they have just received so many
blessings since they have paid tithing. It was so wonderful. On
Sunday...Roger received the priesthood. :) :) :) :) I have never seen
him glow like that. He was radiating. Glenda was ecstatic!!! She just
kept smiling and saying Woo. Woo. It was wonderful. When I asked Roger
how he felt he said "moi feliz" over and over again. This family is
remarkable. They are going to do amazing things. The gospel has
literally...LITERALLY changed their life. I love them.
Sister Shoell has really taught me a lot about teaching the love of
God. A couple lessons we've had this week we just focused on that
principle and it is amazing to see how strongly the spirit comes in
and how it softens the hearts of the people we are teaching. We have
been focusing on asking inspired questions during our finding
approaches and it is neat to see the difference and the responses we
get instead of just an approach.
Lots of amazing things happening still in good ole Brandon Manitoba!!
Another great week to come.
I love you all so very much. Have a wonderful week. Be good. Remember
who you are. Live it. Love it.
great. We are teaching this older man named Don. He is in his 70's and
is hilarious. When he feels the spirit he reverts back to talking
about Germany. His hearing is going fast so we have to talk real loud
and slow. But it is great fun. Our last appointment with him, he was
talking about something random after we had just bore our souls to him
and then he said well ya know I know this is a big deal. And we said
why don? And he said, well...you have come back more than once and it
is something you can feel in your heart when you speak. I may have
been reading from that book you left me...But you know I can't read
it...its too small...and then he went off on another topic. So we had
a glimpse of the spiritual side of Don. He’s been listening. He is a
wonderful man.
Little Roger is doing great!! He has his interview this week!! Super
exciting. We taught tithing this week and we asked Roger Sr. to
explain and share his testimony with Roger about tithing and it was
POWERFUL. He just kept saying how they have just received so many
blessings since they have paid tithing. It was so wonderful. On
Sunday...Roger received the priesthood. :) :) :) :) I have never seen
him glow like that. He was radiating. Glenda was ecstatic!!! She just
kept smiling and saying Woo. Woo. It was wonderful. When I asked Roger
how he felt he said "moi feliz" over and over again. This family is
remarkable. They are going to do amazing things. The gospel has
literally...LITERALLY changed their life. I love them.
Sister Shoell has really taught me a lot about teaching the love of
God. A couple lessons we've had this week we just focused on that
principle and it is amazing to see how strongly the spirit comes in
and how it softens the hearts of the people we are teaching. We have
been focusing on asking inspired questions during our finding
approaches and it is neat to see the difference and the responses we
get instead of just an approach.
Lots of amazing things happening still in good ole Brandon Manitoba!!
Another great week to come.
I love you all so very much. Have a wonderful week. Be good. Remember
who you are. Live it. Love it.
Monday, May 14, 2012
mothres day
Hello hello hello! The sun is
shining and life is so great!!!!
Couldn’t be better! This week we went into Winnipeg and dropped off
Sister Roper. It was so fun to ride with her to Winnipeg, just got all
caught up. She is doing so well!! She is so happy, it was great.
We got to transfer meeting where she teamed up with Sister Wennerlind
and I got my dear Sister Shoell! She is an angel!!! It has been a
wonderful 3 days. I really really appreciate the spirit that she
carries and how she teaches. She just speaks from her soul and tells
them exactly how God loves them and wants them to be happy. It is very
powerful. It feels like we've been together forever!! We taught Roger
Jr. this weekend. He is so excited about baptism. We taught him about
the plan of happiness using soccer as a metaphor. He LOVED it. God is
the coach. Our family is our team. Life is the game. Eternal life is
the goal. And there are things we do during practice...such as read and
pray and go to church and be baptized. Wonderful! :) He told the whole
primary yesterday that he was getting baptized! :) The Romero’s kids
participated in the primary singing during sacrament meeting. So so
tender. We have a lot of wonderful goals for the next 6 weeks and are
excited to see how it all unfolds with the help of the Lord. Miracles
happen.
I love you all. Be good. Remember who you are. Live it. Love it. xoxo
Couldn’t be better! This week we went into Winnipeg and dropped off
Sister Roper. It was so fun to ride with her to Winnipeg, just got all
caught up. She is doing so well!! She is so happy, it was great.
We got to transfer meeting where she teamed up with Sister Wennerlind
and I got my dear Sister Shoell! She is an angel!!! It has been a
wonderful 3 days. I really really appreciate the spirit that she
carries and how she teaches. She just speaks from her soul and tells
them exactly how God loves them and wants them to be happy. It is very
powerful. It feels like we've been together forever!! We taught Roger
Jr. this weekend. He is so excited about baptism. We taught him about
the plan of happiness using soccer as a metaphor. He LOVED it. God is
the coach. Our family is our team. Life is the game. Eternal life is
the goal. And there are things we do during practice...such as read and
pray and go to church and be baptized. Wonderful! :) He told the whole
primary yesterday that he was getting baptized! :) The Romero’s kids
participated in the primary singing during sacrament meeting. So so
tender. We have a lot of wonderful goals for the next 6 weeks and are
excited to see how it all unfolds with the help of the Lord. Miracles
happen.
I love you all. Be good. Remember who you are. Live it. Love it. xoxo
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
May 7, 2012
May 7, 2012
WHAT AN AMAZING
WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Romero’s are baptized!!! On
Monday we took them an envelope of a scripture a day that delt with
baptism and confirmation so they could read one until Saturday!! They
were so excited about it. We saw them every day of the week. On
Tuesday we went over to go over the program and what they wanted to
happen. It was so wonderful to watch them take things so seriously as
they contemplated what hymns they wanted sung and who they would like
to participate. It was so special the spirit was so strong as they
decided what they wanted to do. Saturday FINALLY came!!!!!!!!! They
came dressed in their Sunday best and were beaaaaaaaaaaaaaming. They
looked beautiful in white!!! Sister Olsen and I surprised them and
played a piano duet during the program. It was wonderful. It was a
very special weekend...one that I will never forget. Their son set a
baptism date for June on Sunday after sacrament meeting :) their
family will be changed forever...all because of the gospel. All
because of Jesus Christ. Isn’t it just amazing!! There are just no
words that give any of the feelings and things that have happened
justice. I love them so very much. Now they are working on getting to
the temple :) miracles.
We got our transfer calls. I will be staying here in Brandon and
Sis. .Shoell will be coming to be with me!! It will be wonderful.
Sister Kunzler gets to go to beautiful Saskatoon to be with Sister
Carmichael. She is excited to go and have a new adventure. So this
week will be busy with teachings/good- byes and pickups in Winnipeg.
Lots to do lots to do.
Hope you all had a wonderful week!!! Love you so very much. Be good.
Remember who you are. Live it. Love it.
xoxoxo
Monday we took them an envelope of a scripture a day that delt with
baptism and confirmation so they could read one until Saturday!! They
were so excited about it. We saw them every day of the week. On
Tuesday we went over to go over the program and what they wanted to
happen. It was so wonderful to watch them take things so seriously as
they contemplated what hymns they wanted sung and who they would like
to participate. It was so special the spirit was so strong as they
decided what they wanted to do. Saturday FINALLY came!!!!!!!!! They
came dressed in their Sunday best and were beaaaaaaaaaaaaaming. They
looked beautiful in white!!! Sister Olsen and I surprised them and
played a piano duet during the program. It was wonderful. It was a
very special weekend...one that I will never forget. Their son set a
baptism date for June on Sunday after sacrament meeting :) their
family will be changed forever...all because of the gospel. All
because of Jesus Christ. Isn’t it just amazing!! There are just no
words that give any of the feelings and things that have happened
justice. I love them so very much. Now they are working on getting to
the temple :) miracles.
We got our transfer calls. I will be staying here in Brandon and
Sis. .Shoell will be coming to be with me!! It will be wonderful.
Sister Kunzler gets to go to beautiful Saskatoon to be with Sister
Carmichael. She is excited to go and have a new adventure. So this
week will be busy with teachings/good- byes and pickups in Winnipeg.
Lots to do lots to do.
Hope you all had a wonderful week!!! Love you so very much. Be good.
Remember who you are. Live it. Love it.
xoxoxo
Monday, April 30, 2012
April 30, 2012
This week was another good one
in wonderful Brandon Manitoba. It was
rainy...but blessed!! :) The Romero’s had their baptism interview
Saturday night...they are getting baptized this Saturday!!!! :) :) :)
just 6 short days! After the interview they both just kept saying over
and over again...I am so happy. I am so happy. :) They are excited to
get details all set and to be baptized. It will be an amazing day and
the whole ward is just so excited about it :) so many miracles!!! The
Lord truly is blessing us so much here in Brandon. It has been an
absolute privilege to serve here and to work with this ward and to
find these amazing people!!!
Yesterday Sis. Kunzler and I got to give talks in sacrament meeting.
Each of us was assigned a hymn. I was able to talk on 270...I’ll go Where You Want Me To Go. It really made me think about what a profound
statement that is. That is a lot of trust...I’ll go where you want me
to go. I had a hard time going where mom or dad wanted me to go or
doing what my teachers wanted me to do...but we sing out saying...I’ll
go where you want me to go dear Lord. It may not be on a mountain
high....or in Brandon Manitoba...for you it may be across the street
to the neighbors or at a different lunch table to eat with someone who
is alone...or at work being a good example...or at school. It was
really neat to be able to really think about the words in that hymn
and what it really means to go where the Lord would have us go. As I
have strengthened my faith in my Savior...it has helped me to really
be able to say with all I have that I will go where He would have me
go...say what He would have me say and Be who HE would have me be. I
know that can come for anyone as they have faith in their Savior.
Here is a funny moment in my Spanish learning process...
last week Glenda and I were talking about soccer and she had asked if
I play soccer. well I was trying to explain that when I was younger I
played...I couldn't think about how to say that...so I went about it
like this..."mi hijos...." trying to say when I was a kid....hahahahha
but instead I said..Oh my kids play soccer!!!!!! She about died!!!! It
was so funny. So all the time now she asks how my kids are doing in
soccer. hahaha. The joys of trying to learn Spanish on my own. Ha.
I love you all. Have a wonderful week!!! I can't believe it is already
May!! aye aye aye!
LOVE YOU!!!! Be good. Remember who you are. Live it. Love it.
rainy...but blessed!! :) The Romero’s had their baptism interview
Saturday night...they are getting baptized this Saturday!!!! :) :) :)
just 6 short days! After the interview they both just kept saying over
and over again...I am so happy. I am so happy. :) They are excited to
get details all set and to be baptized. It will be an amazing day and
the whole ward is just so excited about it :) so many miracles!!! The
Lord truly is blessing us so much here in Brandon. It has been an
absolute privilege to serve here and to work with this ward and to
find these amazing people!!!
Yesterday Sis. Kunzler and I got to give talks in sacrament meeting.
Each of us was assigned a hymn. I was able to talk on 270...I’ll go Where You Want Me To Go. It really made me think about what a profound
statement that is. That is a lot of trust...I’ll go where you want me
to go. I had a hard time going where mom or dad wanted me to go or
doing what my teachers wanted me to do...but we sing out saying...I’ll
go where you want me to go dear Lord. It may not be on a mountain
high....or in Brandon Manitoba...for you it may be across the street
to the neighbors or at a different lunch table to eat with someone who
is alone...or at work being a good example...or at school. It was
really neat to be able to really think about the words in that hymn
and what it really means to go where the Lord would have us go. As I
have strengthened my faith in my Savior...it has helped me to really
be able to say with all I have that I will go where He would have me
go...say what He would have me say and Be who HE would have me be. I
know that can come for anyone as they have faith in their Savior.
Here is a funny moment in my Spanish learning process...
last week Glenda and I were talking about soccer and she had asked if
I play soccer. well I was trying to explain that when I was younger I
played...I couldn't think about how to say that...so I went about it
like this..."mi hijos...." trying to say when I was a kid....hahahahha
but instead I said..Oh my kids play soccer!!!!!! She about died!!!! It
was so funny. So all the time now she asks how my kids are doing in
soccer. hahaha. The joys of trying to learn Spanish on my own. Ha.
I love you all. Have a wonderful week!!! I can't believe it is already
May!! aye aye aye!
LOVE YOU!!!! Be good. Remember who you are. Live it. Love it.
Monday, April 23, 2012
April 23, 2012
April 23, 2012
conference interviews and exchanges. We left early Tuesday morning and
got back Thursday night. It was fun to be in Winnipeg. Fun to be with
the sisters. I loved being there. Zone conference was wonderful!!! I
played the piano. Yes it's true. Let me just tell ya...Heavenly Father
answers prayers. Ha. It was a great conference and a great exchange.
Good ole Winnipeg. When we got back, we went straight to the Romero’s.
We had missed them so much. They went to the ward clean up on
Wednesday night to help clean the building, of course they would. They
loved it and said it was great. We taught them on Saturday and they
are all prepared now for their interview this week and their baptism
next week!!!! :) :) :) We are ecstatic!!!!! They are doing so well and
are so excited for their baptism!! No words explain it. I wish there
were...but there just aren’t. Ben and Cherry are doing great. we
taught the word of wisdom and they accepted to live it. they have so
much faith. they both have had really neat experiences with prayer and
know that God is there and loves them. :) I love it.
It was a fast and crazy week!!! But a good one. Of course. Today is
Sis. Kunzlers birthday so it has been a fun p-day for her and it
starts her senior week! YAY FOR SENIOR WEEK! She's excited I’m sure.
I love you all. Have a great week. Be good. Remember who you are. Live
it. Love it.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
April 16, 2012
April 16, 2012
The gospel changes lives. It is real and it is true. There is no doubtabout it. We met with the Romero’s this week!!!!! We taught about the
word of wisdom and the law of chastity. The spirit was so strong and
they had such strong conviction that these are commandments from our
Father in Heaven and that they would live them. After we taught those
two commandments we asked them what changes had come into their lives
since they started learning about the gospel. They both testified
strongly about how their marriage has become stronger and how their
family has become closer together and the peace and the happiness that
they feel as they have learned. We testified about how that is part of
Heavenly Fathers plan and that is why He has allowed us a way to be
sealed together for eternity. We then invited them to be baptized.
There is no doubt that the spirit was working within us and within
the Romero’s. Anyone could have felt that. The room was completely
still and peaceful as the spirit spoke to us and to them as they
accepted the initiation to be baptized on May 5th!!!!!!!!!!!!!! With
tears in their eyes they then testified so boldly about how true the
gospel is and how they know this is the path the Lord wants them on
and how grateful they are for the opportunity they have to learn and
to be a part of the truth. It was amazing. No words describe the
feelings in that room and the spirit that was felt as they both
testified of the truth and shared their testimony. It was incredible.
On Sunday each one was in a skirt/dress and shirt and tie!!!! Picture
perfect. Sunday night there was a Spanish fireside. The topic was
temples. It couldn't have been better!!!! They now have a goal to be
in the temple one year from May 5th and to prepare to go on the temple
trip to do baptisms after they are baptized!!!! They are remarkable
people. I feel so blessed to be able to be a part of their lives. It
was one of those weeks that you wish you could have just recorded to
capture every little thing that happened. The Romero’s are a very
special family. We are sooooo excited for them and they are soooo
excited and the ward is soooo excited. We’ve all been waiting for this
for weeks!!!
We get to go to Winnipeg tomorrow for zone conference. It will be fun
to be with all the missionaries and to go on exchanges with the
sisters. Another great week ahead of us. The gospel is true. It
changes lives. Heavenly Father loves each one of us and knows us very
personally. I know it with everything in me.
Love you all. Be good. Remember who you are. Live it. Love it.
April 9, 2012
What a week what a week!! Here are a few highlights!! :)
On Saturday we met with the Romero’s. They are AMAZING. Let me just tell you…our translator member was a little late so we in broken English and Spanish we asked them about how they liked conference…they LOVED it. They talked about how they knew that Thomas S Monson is a
prophet and how the spirit was so strong as they listened and learned. We then asked them how that made them feels about baptism!! We threw out a date. The dad thought and thought and said it over and over. The wife just looked at him with a huge smile on her face. He said he knows he needs too...he just feels like he needs a little bit more time. We talked about how we aren't just going to baptize them
tomorrow...but we are here to help him. He said this week he is going to read and pray every day and he will know by next Saturday. So ...the member wasn't there still so we just started to read a chapter
with them! The member/translator came and so we tied in our reading to keeping the Sabbath day holy and talked about the sacrament. As we were reading the sacrament prayers...the dad asked how do I know if I am prepared to be baptized?!!!!! It was so great. We read from Acts 8 about Phillip and talked about how faith in Christ is the most important thing and the rest is being willing to be obedient and do
our best. We learned for the rest of our lives. We read the baptism interview questions with them. The spirit was SO strong as they themselves testified of Joseph Smith and Thomas S. Monsoon and the
restoration of the gospel. After the questions were asked...we talked about how that is all that shows them that they are ready to be baptized. They were both so excited. They then just asked a whole
bunch of questions about eternal families and what they can do to get to the temple and about baptism being individual!! IT WAS THE BEST THE BEST BEST BEST!!!! So wonderful. They are so ready for the gospel!! We are so excited. We are meeting with them this week to talk more about it. :)
Yesterday we had a lesson with a less active...as we were about to start she received a phone call from a friend who she had been inviting to church. She told her friend we were there and that she should come over and learn from us. Her friend was so excited and came!!! We were able to teach her. It was great to see this member testify of the gospel and how it has helped her and to see her recognize her own testimony as she shared it with her friend!! We tracted into a Pilipino family this week. The dad was so excited to see us and asked us to come back to teach his kids about the church. When we went...he rounded up his whole family...there were a lot of them...in and out...and said you listen to these girls they will help you be a true blue Mormon and you will be a better person because of it!!! It was a very interesting experience. We’ll see where it goes. It has been cooooold this week. The sky was blue for Easter...but it was just cold cold cold with really strong winds!! Leads to some exciting finding time. :)
Things are really great!! We are being so blessed and have seen so many miracles. I am so thankful to be here in Brandon. I am especially so very thankful for my Savior, for His atonement and knowing that
because He lives, I too will live. I was reading in 3 Nephi 11 the other day and as I read about how each individual was able to go and feel the prints in His hands and side, I thought about how He has
invited each of us to do the same thing...not physically yet...but to come unto Him, individually...to "feel" of the prints...as in to feel of the peace of His gospel and His atonement. To come to KNOW for
ourselves that He is our Savior and that this is His gospel. The church is true. I hope you have a wonderful week. Be good. Remember who you are. Live it. Love it.
On Saturday we met with the Romero’s. They are AMAZING. Let me just tell you…our translator member was a little late so we in broken English and Spanish we asked them about how they liked conference…they LOVED it. They talked about how they knew that Thomas S Monson is a
prophet and how the spirit was so strong as they listened and learned. We then asked them how that made them feels about baptism!! We threw out a date. The dad thought and thought and said it over and over. The wife just looked at him with a huge smile on her face. He said he knows he needs too...he just feels like he needs a little bit more time. We talked about how we aren't just going to baptize them
tomorrow...but we are here to help him. He said this week he is going to read and pray every day and he will know by next Saturday. So ...the member wasn't there still so we just started to read a chapter
with them! The member/translator came and so we tied in our reading to keeping the Sabbath day holy and talked about the sacrament. As we were reading the sacrament prayers...the dad asked how do I know if I am prepared to be baptized?!!!!! It was so great. We read from Acts 8 about Phillip and talked about how faith in Christ is the most important thing and the rest is being willing to be obedient and do
our best. We learned for the rest of our lives. We read the baptism interview questions with them. The spirit was SO strong as they themselves testified of Joseph Smith and Thomas S. Monsoon and the
restoration of the gospel. After the questions were asked...we talked about how that is all that shows them that they are ready to be baptized. They were both so excited. They then just asked a whole
bunch of questions about eternal families and what they can do to get to the temple and about baptism being individual!! IT WAS THE BEST THE BEST BEST BEST!!!! So wonderful. They are so ready for the gospel!! We are so excited. We are meeting with them this week to talk more about it. :)
Yesterday we had a lesson with a less active...as we were about to start she received a phone call from a friend who she had been inviting to church. She told her friend we were there and that she should come over and learn from us. Her friend was so excited and came!!! We were able to teach her. It was great to see this member testify of the gospel and how it has helped her and to see her recognize her own testimony as she shared it with her friend!! We tracted into a Pilipino family this week. The dad was so excited to see us and asked us to come back to teach his kids about the church. When we went...he rounded up his whole family...there were a lot of them...in and out...and said you listen to these girls they will help you be a true blue Mormon and you will be a better person because of it!!! It was a very interesting experience. We’ll see where it goes. It has been cooooold this week. The sky was blue for Easter...but it was just cold cold cold with really strong winds!! Leads to some exciting finding time. :)
Things are really great!! We are being so blessed and have seen so many miracles. I am so thankful to be here in Brandon. I am especially so very thankful for my Savior, for His atonement and knowing that
because He lives, I too will live. I was reading in 3 Nephi 11 the other day and as I read about how each individual was able to go and feel the prints in His hands and side, I thought about how He has
invited each of us to do the same thing...not physically yet...but to come unto Him, individually...to "feel" of the prints...as in to feel of the peace of His gospel and His atonement. To come to KNOW for
ourselves that He is our Savior and that this is His gospel. The church is true. I hope you have a wonderful week. Be good. Remember who you are. Live it. Love it.
Monday, April 2, 2012
April 2, 2012
Was conference not amazing! Wowzy!! So many wonderful things said. It
was so inspiring and motivational. I thought a lot of progression and
the things to do to continue to progress and continually becoming a
true disciple of Christ. I loved the talk on "what would Christ think
of me." helps put things in place and prioritize our lives. On
Sunday morning there were about 13-15 Spanish speakers there...so in
the chapel we had the regular English conference on the big screen
then on the side we had a TV of conference in Spanish. Haha. It was
quite the experience. The Romero’s all came!! The girls were in
dresses and their son in a shirt and tie!!!! It was the best sight
ever. They are wonderful. On Saturday the dad went to priesthood so we
went over and taught mom about prophets. It was very neat to allow the
spirit to guide us as we taught in Spanish. I found it interesting to
notice that as we were speaking about the gospel ....I could
understand what she was saying and was able to speak...but as soon as
we said the closing prayer....I was so lost. The spirit works in
mysterious ways! When we taught Ben and cherry about prophets this
week cherry asked so many great questions about how they are called
and how we can know. :) Perfection. It is great to see the spirit
working through them and see how they have been prepared and the
things they need to know. We had district lunch this week!!! We went
to pizza hut buffet and had an eating contest...good ole Sister
Kunzler had 13!!!! Then that night the Romero’s fed us supper which was
a LOT ...a LOT of food very good food of course...but...Sister Kunzler
lost the color in her face until about bed time. It was a classic
missionary moment :)
Hope you all had a wonderful week. Be good. Remember who you are. Live
it. Love it.
was so inspiring and motivational. I thought a lot of progression and
the things to do to continue to progress and continually becoming a
true disciple of Christ. I loved the talk on "what would Christ think
of me." helps put things in place and prioritize our lives. On
Sunday morning there were about 13-15 Spanish speakers there...so in
the chapel we had the regular English conference on the big screen
then on the side we had a TV of conference in Spanish. Haha. It was
quite the experience. The Romero’s all came!! The girls were in
dresses and their son in a shirt and tie!!!! It was the best sight
ever. They are wonderful. On Saturday the dad went to priesthood so we
went over and taught mom about prophets. It was very neat to allow the
spirit to guide us as we taught in Spanish. I found it interesting to
notice that as we were speaking about the gospel ....I could
understand what she was saying and was able to speak...but as soon as
we said the closing prayer....I was so lost. The spirit works in
mysterious ways! When we taught Ben and cherry about prophets this
week cherry asked so many great questions about how they are called
and how we can know. :) Perfection. It is great to see the spirit
working through them and see how they have been prepared and the
things they need to know. We had district lunch this week!!! We went
to pizza hut buffet and had an eating contest...good ole Sister
Kunzler had 13!!!! Then that night the Romero’s fed us supper which was
a LOT ...a LOT of food very good food of course...but...Sister Kunzler
lost the color in her face until about bed time. It was a classic
missionary moment :)
Hope you all had a wonderful week. Be good. Remember who you are. Live
it. Love it.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Spring Break
Spring Break!
Another wonderful week in Brandon Manitoba! this week heather got
baptized!! It was an up and down week...Satan was reaaaaaaaalllly
working on her hard this week but she made it through and she was
baptized on Friday night. Her kids came and it made it a very special
moment for her. The spirit was strong!!! we talked to her on Saturday
night to see how she was doing and one of the first things she said to
us was..."well...I feel different :) :)" she was so happy. She said
she just felt this glow within her and she had such strength she could
tell a difference in her life. :) She shared her story in Sunday
School yesterday and I think it really helped some of the other
investigators who were there understand the why and how to do it. She
will be a great strength to the ward!! I am excited for her!!! It was
a grrrrrrrrrrrrrreat weekend!!!!!! :) Baptisms always have such a
special spirit and just help you have the motivation to push forward
and be stronger and find more amazing people!
Barbara is doing great!! She has been reading and praying morning and
night. She loves the book of Mormon! she called us last night asking a
question on what she was supposed to read and we told her and she said
oh well...I read all of 16 17 and 18. Is that ok?! Uhm yes! that is
juuuuuuust fine :) yay. She is great. Cherry and Ben (our Chinese
investigators) both came to church this week and loved it!! Ben
said...this is great...I will be back next week too!!! :)
The Romero’s are wonderful. We had an amazing appointment with them
this weekend. The spirit was incredible!! They are so close!!!!! In
English class we learned family words...such as dad, brother, sister,
aunt...etc...And then for the spiritual thought we sang families can
be together forever. It was WONDERFUL! Love them so much.
The weather...has not held out nice for us. Ha. We are back to some
cold stuff. Not cold cold...but 1 or 2 degrees. So it feels real cold
going from 20 to 2. Hopefully it warms up again soon.
An amazing week! Busy and powerful! Lots of miracles that helped
Heather get baptized. Lots of miracles that helped the Romero’s! Lots of
miracles that have helped Barbara! Have miracles ceased?! NAY! :)
We're all super excited for conference. Lots of good things coming I’m
sure of it :)
Hope you all had a great week! Be good. Remember who you are. Live it. Love it.
baptized!! It was an up and down week...Satan was reaaaaaaaalllly
working on her hard this week but she made it through and she was
baptized on Friday night. Her kids came and it made it a very special
moment for her. The spirit was strong!!! we talked to her on Saturday
night to see how she was doing and one of the first things she said to
us was..."well...I feel different :) :)" she was so happy. She said
she just felt this glow within her and she had such strength she could
tell a difference in her life. :) She shared her story in Sunday
School yesterday and I think it really helped some of the other
investigators who were there understand the why and how to do it. She
will be a great strength to the ward!! I am excited for her!!! It was
a grrrrrrrrrrrrrreat weekend!!!!!! :) Baptisms always have such a
special spirit and just help you have the motivation to push forward
and be stronger and find more amazing people!
Barbara is doing great!! She has been reading and praying morning and
night. She loves the book of Mormon! she called us last night asking a
question on what she was supposed to read and we told her and she said
oh well...I read all of 16 17 and 18. Is that ok?! Uhm yes! that is
juuuuuuust fine :) yay. She is great. Cherry and Ben (our Chinese
investigators) both came to church this week and loved it!! Ben
said...this is great...I will be back next week too!!! :)
The Romero’s are wonderful. We had an amazing appointment with them
this weekend. The spirit was incredible!! They are so close!!!!! In
English class we learned family words...such as dad, brother, sister,
aunt...etc...And then for the spiritual thought we sang families can
be together forever. It was WONDERFUL! Love them so much.
The weather...has not held out nice for us. Ha. We are back to some
cold stuff. Not cold cold...but 1 or 2 degrees. So it feels real cold
going from 20 to 2. Hopefully it warms up again soon.
An amazing week! Busy and powerful! Lots of miracles that helped
Heather get baptized. Lots of miracles that helped the Romero’s! Lots of
miracles that have helped Barbara! Have miracles ceased?! NAY! :)
We're all super excited for conference. Lots of good things coming I’m
sure of it :)
Hope you all had a great week! Be good. Remember who you are. Live it. Love it.
Monday, March 19, 2012
March 19, 2012
March19, 2012
children. This week it seemed like a flood of blessings just came
pouring over us. I am so grateful for this week and all of the
miracles that we saw. It was an amazing week. To end the week we had
11 investigators at church yesterday. It was amazing. 2 families (one a
family a four and another family of 3) and the rest single people
who we met this week and had the opportunity to come to church and
feel the spirit! It was INCREDIBLE!!!! They all had an amazing
experience and can't wait to come back.
Heather: will most likely be baptized on Friday :) :) :) :) we had a
great lesson with her on Wednesday...during the lesson she said it will
probably be in later spring..After the lesson as we were talking about
general conference she all the sudden had this urge to be baptized
NOW!!! :) It will be a great weekend for that. Her and her kids were
at church yesterday and she is a fantastic member missionary already.
We had another investigator...cherry who came to church and heather
just took her under her wing and helped her out and gave her her info
to get in contact in case she needed anything. I love it.
Cherry is Chinese :) we met with her and her Betsy on Saturday
morning. He has seen the moving facing giants and he said it was from
that movie that he felt that he could pray to God and He would help
him through his trials. Amazing. They prayed after the lesson and said
they felt so peaceful and full of courage!!! It was a neat lesson.
Cherry was able to come to church yesterday. She was smiling from ear
to ear. It was a wonderful opportunity!!
The wonderful Romero’s came to church!!!!!! They are doing fantastic.
We taught them on Saturday night...they are getting so close. They
said that they have this urge to just read the Book of Mormon. They
said they feel like oh I have so much to do...but they just can't put
it down and they just want to read and read and read :) the Book of
Mormon has amazing power. I know that it is a true book and I know the
promises found in it are real!! I have seen them in my life and in the
life of those we are teaching. It is amazing.
Barbara is another who came to church. We met her tracting on
Thursday...she told us she had met with missionaries before but now she
is ready to make changes in her life and needs us to come back. We
went back on Friday...had a very special meeting with her and she set
a baptism date and came to church yesterday. She’s a neat lady. Such a
soft heart and wants to find true happiness.
Cheryl was at church as well and said afterwards that she felt so much
happier now that she had been to church. IS THE CHURCH TRUE OR IS THE
CHURCH TRUE?! There is so much power in taking of the sacrament and
being uplifted and edified from others as they bear testimony of the
gospel. It was amazing to see how each one of the Lords investigators
felt the spirit so strongly and so differently as they attended church
yesterday. Bishop announced over the pulpit that there were 18 new
faces in the congregation yesterday. 18!!!! Some were less actives
that hadn't been to church in years...others investigators. It was the
work of the Lord. I know that He is aware of each of us and prepares
others to receive HIs gospel. It was an absolute incredible week. The
only thing that explains it is the Lords blessing. He is watching HIs
children, He is helping the work progress and He promises us blessings
as we do our best and align our will with His.
The work is true. It changes lives. It amazes me daily.
I’ve been studying out of 1st Nephi this week and just keep finding
amazing little golden nuggets. What a powerful book. One of the
insights I had this week was in 1 Nephi 17 when the Lord commands
Nephi to go and build the boat. He tells Nephi he will construct the
ship after the manner of which He will show him. It hit me that the
Lord has commanded us "to build a ship"...aka to keep a commandment or
to fulfill a calling or assignment...and He will "instruct us after the
manner which it shall be fulfilled." He will help us fulfill that
calling or that commandment...He will show us how to do it and how to
best accomplish the task ahead of us. Isn’t that neat?! No matter what
our calling is...or what commandment we are being asked to keep...He
knows how to help us do it!!!! :) And He WILL help us...not
might...like Laman and Lemuel...they "might" have been happy in
Jerusalem...they "might" have been happy with their riches...but the
Lord WILL keep His promise...He WILL give us the holy ghost as we are
baptized..He WILL be by our side when we allow Him too. His promises
are sure!!!
I love you all. Hope you had a wonderful week. Be good. Remember who
you are. Live it .love it.
Monday, March 12, 2012
March 12, 2012
I love Brandon. I love it, I love it, I love it! It is so great. We have
been so blessed being here it is ridiculous. I don't know how to
explain the gratitude I feel and the blessings that we have received.
It is at times a bit overwhelming when I think about it. We saw the
Romero family, our amazing Spanish family. They are so wonderful. Our
translator member couldn't make it last minute...so we prayed for the
gift of tongues and did our best. The spirit was so incredibly strong.
We had asked them to read Mossiah 18 last week and so we talked about
the chapter and how they felt. They said (in broken Spanish/English)
they read it 2 times because it was so wonderful and they felt the
spirit so strong. In our broken English/Spanish we talked about the
spirit and the truth and how to recognize it. They said they want to
read the whole Book of Mormon because they know it is good and they
know it will bless their lives. They came to church...again. 3 weeks
in a row. They love it so much. At church they asked a member how they
could sign up to do building cleanup...they saw the names posted in
the bulletin of who would be doing it this week and they want to help.
they also asked how they can sign up to feed us...you know we had no
complaints about that. when the members were answering their questions
they said they didn't have to...and they said no, we come here, we use
this building, we learn here...our payment and appreciation will come
from helping. we will be here to help. THEY ARE SO AMAZING. the wife
has asked us to come help her learn english on tuesdays. she told
us...you come to teach me english and i teach you spansih...and you
will teach me about this book every time you come here. they are so
prepared. it is an honor to teach them and to be in their home. i love
them so much. Sitting with them each Sunday, I just look at them and am
so happy. they are wonderful.
Cheryl is amazing!!!! She is doing so much she has been reading every
day this week. We have had some very spiritual special moments in her
home with her this week.
I just can't explain how blessed we have been. The things that have
happened here this week I will remember forever. The spirit has guided
us and helped us teach and help our investigators feel of His love
and the truth of our message. You can't deny those feelings....so if
you can't tell....it was a great week. ;)
We went from wearing leggings and tights and socks and a coat to
wearing nylons and no coat. The weather is phenomenal!!!!! Spring is
here! Puts everyone in a good mood.
I love you all. Hope you had a great week. Be good. Remember who you
are. Live it. Love it. xoxoxo
been so blessed being here it is ridiculous. I don't know how to
explain the gratitude I feel and the blessings that we have received.
It is at times a bit overwhelming when I think about it. We saw the
Romero family, our amazing Spanish family. They are so wonderful. Our
translator member couldn't make it last minute...so we prayed for the
gift of tongues and did our best. The spirit was so incredibly strong.
We had asked them to read Mossiah 18 last week and so we talked about
the chapter and how they felt. They said (in broken Spanish/English)
they read it 2 times because it was so wonderful and they felt the
spirit so strong. In our broken English/Spanish we talked about the
spirit and the truth and how to recognize it. They said they want to
read the whole Book of Mormon because they know it is good and they
know it will bless their lives. They came to church...again. 3 weeks
in a row. They love it so much. At church they asked a member how they
could sign up to do building cleanup...they saw the names posted in
the bulletin of who would be doing it this week and they want to help.
they also asked how they can sign up to feed us...you know we had no
complaints about that. when the members were answering their questions
they said they didn't have to...and they said no, we come here, we use
this building, we learn here...our payment and appreciation will come
from helping. we will be here to help. THEY ARE SO AMAZING. the wife
has asked us to come help her learn english on tuesdays. she told
us...you come to teach me english and i teach you spansih...and you
will teach me about this book every time you come here. they are so
prepared. it is an honor to teach them and to be in their home. i love
them so much. Sitting with them each Sunday, I just look at them and am
so happy. they are wonderful.
Cheryl is amazing!!!! She is doing so much she has been reading every
day this week. We have had some very spiritual special moments in her
home with her this week.
I just can't explain how blessed we have been. The things that have
happened here this week I will remember forever. The spirit has guided
us and helped us teach and help our investigators feel of His love
and the truth of our message. You can't deny those feelings....so if
you can't tell....it was a great week. ;)
We went from wearing leggings and tights and socks and a coat to
wearing nylons and no coat. The weather is phenomenal!!!!! Spring is
here! Puts everyone in a good mood.
I love you all. Hope you had a great week. Be good. Remember who you
are. Live it. Love it. xoxoxo
Monday, March 5, 2012
Happy Birthday Jessica
The weeks just keep going faster and faster. We had an amazing
week. On Tuesday morning we met with a lady named Tina! We knocked into
her on Sunday and she said we could come back Tuesday morning before
work. We visited with her and she asked us...why do people baptize
babies and how do they know that is the right way and who gave them
the right to do it?! WELL TINA...LET US TELL YOU! :) It was perfect.
She set a baptism date for April!! Sister Kunzler invited her and when
she said yes Sister Kindler’s face was priceless!! It was a special
moment! So we are excited to work with her! She is a fun lady! We got
to go into Winnipeg for zone meeting and exchanges. We left here on
Tuesday and spent the night with the YSA sisters and had our zone
meeting on Wednesday morning...then exchanges the rest of the day. I
had the WONDERFUL opportunity to serve with Sis Shoell that day!
She is from Utah and is just a gem. It was so fun to be with here and
to learn from her. She taught me so much and has such an amazing
attitude when finding and is so sincere about her finding approaches.
It was so great to work with her! We also got to go see Eltouma!!! It
was the day they usually teach her English so I got to go and teach
her English just like old times. You know that was a surprise of a
life time. It was so great to see her!! We had supper with one of the
YSA members!! Joy!! I’ve missed her...she just received her mission
call to.....BOIIIISEEEEEEEE IIIIDAAHHOOOO!!!! She will report in July!
Perfect timing!! Soooooooooo exciting!! We got home Thursday morning
and jumped into work! We headed out to a little town named Souris to
teach heather and her kids. They are wonderful! They come to church
every week and are working towards baptism! :) Our Spanish family is
fantastic!!! We called to see if they were coming to English class and
they said oh of course...then we asked if they would be at church on
Sunday...the dad was SOO enthusiastic as he said yes of course we will
be at church we love it there. It is fantastic. We will come EVERY
Sunday. :) :) :) :) yay! They are so wonderful!!! There are just so
many miracles happening here in Brandon I feel so blessed to be a part
of this wonderful work here in Brandon. The ward is amazing...teaching
investigators how to be fellowship to new investigators...inviting
investigators over for supper...just showing up at investigators
home...they have no need to be asked...they just "go and do." i love
it.
The church is true. This work is so real. It amazes me every single
day. I love you all. Be good. Remember who you are. Live it. Love it.
week. On Tuesday morning we met with a lady named Tina! We knocked into
her on Sunday and she said we could come back Tuesday morning before
work. We visited with her and she asked us...why do people baptize
babies and how do they know that is the right way and who gave them
the right to do it?! WELL TINA...LET US TELL YOU! :) It was perfect.
She set a baptism date for April!! Sister Kunzler invited her and when
she said yes Sister Kindler’s face was priceless!! It was a special
moment! So we are excited to work with her! She is a fun lady! We got
to go into Winnipeg for zone meeting and exchanges. We left here on
Tuesday and spent the night with the YSA sisters and had our zone
meeting on Wednesday morning...then exchanges the rest of the day. I
had the WONDERFUL opportunity to serve with Sis Shoell that day!
She is from Utah and is just a gem. It was so fun to be with here and
to learn from her. She taught me so much and has such an amazing
attitude when finding and is so sincere about her finding approaches.
It was so great to work with her! We also got to go see Eltouma!!! It
was the day they usually teach her English so I got to go and teach
her English just like old times. You know that was a surprise of a
life time. It was so great to see her!! We had supper with one of the
YSA members!! Joy!! I’ve missed her...she just received her mission
call to.....BOIIIISEEEEEEEE IIIIDAAHHOOOO!!!! She will report in July!
Perfect timing!! Soooooooooo exciting!! We got home Thursday morning
and jumped into work! We headed out to a little town named Souris to
teach heather and her kids. They are wonderful! They come to church
every week and are working towards baptism! :) Our Spanish family is
fantastic!!! We called to see if they were coming to English class and
they said oh of course...then we asked if they would be at church on
Sunday...the dad was SOO enthusiastic as he said yes of course we will
be at church we love it there. It is fantastic. We will come EVERY
Sunday. :) :) :) :) yay! They are so wonderful!!! There are just so
many miracles happening here in Brandon I feel so blessed to be a part
of this wonderful work here in Brandon. The ward is amazing...teaching
investigators how to be fellowship to new investigators...inviting
investigators over for supper...just showing up at investigators
home...they have no need to be asked...they just "go and do." i love
it.
The church is true. This work is so real. It amazes me every single
day. I love you all. Be good. Remember who you are. Live it. Love it.
Monday, February 27, 2012
February 27, 2012
Welcome to the town of trains, dogs, and happiness. Everyone here in
Brandon has just been so nice and happy. It’s a small town feel and it
has been an amazing week!! We tracted into a family from Honduras, mom
dad and 3 kids, they are fantastic...but speak very limited English.
We set up an appointment with them for Saturday. As we got to the
appointment it became very apparent that the language was going to be
a barrier...we found this out when after we sat down the dad said
something and everyone started to get on their coats and shoes and
hats. When we asked the kids where they were going they just shrugged
their shoulders...they weren't quite sure what we were saying. So we
kept trying to figure out what was going on...finally in broken
Spanish/English we asked the father where everyone was going. He said.
Oh we go to church. I hope your car is big enough to take us all.
Ha.ha. we were like noooo no no no no no. church is TOMORROW. Today we
just want to TALK about church. The kids were so disappointed. But we
were able to explain church and the process and briefly introduce the
restoration and testify...it has become apparent that Spanish skills
are going to be needed. We’re working on it. On Sunday the
family came to church!! They loved it. They have a Spanish translator
for sacrament meeting and a Spanish Sunday School class and a Spanish
speaking primary teacher...soooooo it was perfect. The ward was
fantastic at fellowshipping and getting them involved. We are really
excited for them.
During the week...we knocked on a door and the guy answered and said oh
hi come in. So we walk in and his wife said ooooh hiiii, boys say hi to
the sisters. ...so they said hi. We were so confused how they knew us.
They asked if we were just out and about tonight or just making stop
bys. We said we were out knocking on doors. They said oh were you
just at the neighbors? We said well...we knocked on their door...?!?!
They said did they send you over here? We said hum...no. They asked
when we got to town and how we were adjusting. So we thought maybe
they were less active members. They kept asking questions about how we
were doing and then said ok come on did the neighbors send you over
here? We said no really...we just knocked on your door. How do you know
everything about our life? They said have you done the scone
challenge at the Andersons yet? *the bishop and his wife do a scone
challenge with all the missionaries* we said nooo...how do you know
the Andersons??! They said...didn't you know they live next door?!?!?!
ooooooooook. haha. So they had us in to sit down and visit for a
minute. The Andersons have had them over for FHE and activities and
they have been to church a couple times...and so they have gotten to
know the missionaries through them. So they called the bishop and said
hey come over here for a minute...as he walked in and saw us sitting at
the table he was a little surprised. It was a funny moment. Hopefully
it will make it easier for us to get in their home again later. :)
Well...winter finally hit. It was really cold this week. We have been
all sorts of bundled up but we have seen so much success in this area
already. We found a handful of new investigators and have seen success
in tracting. We have been so very blessed.
This week we get to go to Winnipeg for a meeting and exchanges with
the sisters. So that will be a whole new adventure.
Hope you all had a wonderful week. Love you VERY much. Be good.
Remember who you are. Live it. Love it.
Brandon has just been so nice and happy. It’s a small town feel and it
has been an amazing week!! We tracted into a family from Honduras, mom
dad and 3 kids, they are fantastic...but speak very limited English.
We set up an appointment with them for Saturday. As we got to the
appointment it became very apparent that the language was going to be
a barrier...we found this out when after we sat down the dad said
something and everyone started to get on their coats and shoes and
hats. When we asked the kids where they were going they just shrugged
their shoulders...they weren't quite sure what we were saying. So we
kept trying to figure out what was going on...finally in broken
Spanish/English we asked the father where everyone was going. He said.
Oh we go to church. I hope your car is big enough to take us all.
Ha.ha. we were like noooo no no no no no. church is TOMORROW. Today we
just want to TALK about church. The kids were so disappointed. But we
were able to explain church and the process and briefly introduce the
restoration and testify...it has become apparent that Spanish skills
are going to be needed. We’re working on it. On Sunday the
family came to church!! They loved it. They have a Spanish translator
for sacrament meeting and a Spanish Sunday School class and a Spanish
speaking primary teacher...soooooo it was perfect. The ward was
fantastic at fellowshipping and getting them involved. We are really
excited for them.
During the week...we knocked on a door and the guy answered and said oh
hi come in. So we walk in and his wife said ooooh hiiii, boys say hi to
the sisters. ...so they said hi. We were so confused how they knew us.
They asked if we were just out and about tonight or just making stop
bys. We said we were out knocking on doors. They said oh were you
just at the neighbors? We said well...we knocked on their door...?!?!
They said did they send you over here? We said hum...no. They asked
when we got to town and how we were adjusting. So we thought maybe
they were less active members. They kept asking questions about how we
were doing and then said ok come on did the neighbors send you over
here? We said no really...we just knocked on your door. How do you know
everything about our life? They said have you done the scone
challenge at the Andersons yet? *the bishop and his wife do a scone
challenge with all the missionaries* we said nooo...how do you know
the Andersons??! They said...didn't you know they live next door?!?!?!
ooooooooook. haha. So they had us in to sit down and visit for a
minute. The Andersons have had them over for FHE and activities and
they have been to church a couple times...and so they have gotten to
know the missionaries through them. So they called the bishop and said
hey come over here for a minute...as he walked in and saw us sitting at
the table he was a little surprised. It was a funny moment. Hopefully
it will make it easier for us to get in their home again later. :)
Well...winter finally hit. It was really cold this week. We have been
all sorts of bundled up but we have seen so much success in this area
already. We found a handful of new investigators and have seen success
in tracting. We have been so very blessed.
This week we get to go to Winnipeg for a meeting and exchanges with
the sisters. So that will be a whole new adventure.
Hope you all had a wonderful week. Love you VERY much. Be good.
Remember who you are. Live it. Love it.
Monday, February 20, 2012
February - Presidents Day
HOLA! Como se desay I'M IN BRANDON en Espanol. (Ok so I probably didn't spell that right.... but....
I AM IN BRANDON!! Welcome to Spanish town. Lots and lots of Spanish speakers here. The Spanish is going to have to come very quickly I can tell. On Wednesday Sister Roper and I woke up and drove here to Brandon...dropped off Sister Roper (sad) picked up Sister Lewtas and drove into Winnipeg...home sweet home...and dropped off Sister Lewtas and picked up SISTER KUNZLER (short u sound). We had supper at the mission home and then training meeting then we got to go stay with the YSA Winnipeg sisters for the night!! Fun! Then Thursday morning we woke up...got lost and finally made it to Brandon. haha. What an adventure. It was great. We got to our area and just jumped right into the fun with a couple of appointments this weekend and a handful of investigators at church...it has been a great start.
Sister Kunzler is great. She is 22 years old. She is from Pleasant View, Utah. She is majoring in elementary education at Weber state. She is very sweet. She is a great missionary...just jumped into it and does what she needs to do!! It has been fun to get to know her and work together. It has been a busy couple of days trying to find our way around and meet the ward and our investigators...but she has a fantastic attitude and is just excited to be a missionary. It’s wonderful.
Brandon is great.
It is the home of Brandon University, Assiniboine Community College and Manitoba Emergency Service College. It has 2 senior baseball league teams. Their hockey team is the Brandon Wheat Kings. :) Clever. Its population is about 43,000...which makes it the second largest city in all of Manitoba. :)
The ward is amazing. Each person just came right up and introduced themselves. They are very very involved with missionary work and are excited to be a part of the process. They are so supportive and helpful. It’s a small ward...but powerful. Lots of good things happening. We are excited to see the success and blessings that the Lord has in store for the people here in Brandon.
We are working with a family of 5! They came to church on their own a couple weeks ago and are just on fire. They are progressing wonderfully and the ward has just taken them in. we are also working with a Spanish girl age 8 who has a strong testimony of the restoration. More updates to come...when we know more about them :)
I know that the Lord is very mindful of each of us as I have felt His love and guidance so much this weekend. I know Sister Kunzler and I are here for a reason and that this work is real.
Hope you had a wonderful week! Hope things are well and the weather is nice. It was +7 here yesterday. Feels like summer.
Hope you had a wonderful week! Hope things are well and the weather is nice. It was +7 here yesterday. Feels like summer.
Love you all very very much. Be good. Remember who you are. Live it. Love it.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Valentines Week
Hola mi amigas y amigos!!! what a week. We saw Antonio and Lina!!! They REALLY missed church. As we talked with them about it they said that before when they would go to church...they would go and it wouldn't be a big deal...they would just go to just go to church and would come home and it wouldn't mean anything...but when they come home from church now...they feel different and they feel happy. When they missed it...they really missed church and wanted to know what was talked about and how everyone was doing. :) THEY FELT THE DIFFERENCE. Now they know what they are missing...so it was secretly a blessing they didn't come last week...because now they know. Antonio also told us that he has always thought himself to be an active follower of Christ...but now he knows that there is much more to being a follower of Christ...you act…you do things..you pray and read and serve and love and go to church...he was so excited about it. It was fantastic. They are so very very special. I am so excited to see where they go. They are going to get there. I know they will. There has been a big change in the way the ward is reacting to us lately...it has been so good the more we serve them...the more they are willing to serve us and help us with appointments and investigators. It’s so neat to see how they have changed and to see how much they support us and help us now. I love it.
Well...
The big news of the week is...
Sister Carmichael is going to come here to be with...Sister Roper. I will be going to Brandon Manitoba...to train and white wash...wowzy! What an adventure. We leave on Wednesday. It was a lot harder than I thought to say goodbye to the wards we are serving in. I love the family ward. I love working with families...at first I was a little nervous about it...but I love it. There are so many families that we have gotten so close to...it was very hard to say goodbye to them on Sunday and also to say goodbye to Arianne. That was a killer. Tracy also came to say goodbye. It was good to see her. She has changed a lot which is kind of hard to see...but she felt something as she was back in the church. It was so good to see her. It’s going to be great though!! Lots of new adventures but this is a big change...real big...I am excited. I think it will be a good experience and I know that the Lord has a plan for us to be there...but it's a lot. Ha. :) Nevertheless...the church is true no matter where you go...who you are serving. Just got to do our best wherever wer go! :)Hope you all have a grrrrrrrreat week. Love you. Be good. Remember who you are. Live it. Love it.
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